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Papal infallibility?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Sakuras, Oct 21, 2009.

  1. Sakuras

    Sakuras New Member

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    Hello my friends,

    I was wondering what examples you could provide that dismiss the Catholic idea of Papal infallibility?

    It is very curious to me how the Catholics believe in this idea.

    In history we have some questionable actions by some Popes that don't seem to adopt Jesus' teachings.

    Upon reading the Bible recently this very question of the Catholic Pope came to me. I remember Paul who rebukes Peter in the NT. Was not Peter the first Pope according to Catholics? If so, how can a Pope be rebuked if this theology is sound?

    Thank you for your time all.
     
  2. JMSR

    JMSR New Member

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    The pope is not God. I would think Romans 3:23 would disqualify anybody with a heartbeat from being infallible.
     
  3. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    There's a great amount of misconception in regards to Papal infallibility. People often think it's the idea that whatever the Pope says goes. That's not true. Infallibility is only called upon when the Pope makes an "ex cathedra" policy statement. This is incredibly rare. No pope has made an ex cathedra statement in my lifetime.

    In regards to the topic, Pole Benedict XVI recently commented on how popes are often wrong, stating that "the Pope is not an oracle; he is infallible in [only] very rare situations, as we know".
     
  4. JMSR

    JMSR New Member

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    If you're not always infallible, are you ever? Looking at it that way we're all infallible, for the moment that we proclaimed something that we just happened to get right.
     
  5. Sakuras

    Sakuras New Member

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    Thanks for the responses.

    Perhaps a better question is whether or not the Pope is the Head of the church? Again, I use my example of Paul rebuking Peter. How can Peter be the Pope or head of the church if other followers can rebuke him publically?
     
  6. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    You're asking if the Pope is the head of the Caltholic Church? Yes. Absolutely.
     
  7. thegospelgeek

    thegospelgeek New Member

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    But if you are asking if the Pope is the head of the catholic church? No absolutely.
     
  8. Thinkingstuff

    Thinkingstuff Active Member

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    Papal infallibility is defined by Catholics as being a hinderance to teach anything not supported by Scripture and their Tradition. The Pope cannot come up with new revelation. Note that this teaching only applies for teachings from the "Chair" or Ex Cathedra. And it only applies to Faith and Morals. Otherwise the Pope can be a right sinner but is not permitted to teach against the deposit of Faith from the Chair.
    Now is he the head of the Church? What Church do you mean? The Catholic Church or the Body of Christ. He claims to be head of the visible church however, most protestants believe in the invisible church filled with believers in christ no matter what denomination.
     
    #8 Thinkingstuff, Oct 21, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 21, 2009
  9. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Just to clarify, the Pope is the head of the Roman Caltholic Church. As for the Body of Christ, Jesus is the head of it.
     
  10. Sakuras

    Sakuras New Member

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    Holy cow! Okay, I'm going to try and be very careful how I word questions in the future. Thanks for the responses.
     
  11. thegospelgeek

    thegospelgeek New Member

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    Sorry for derailing your post. I just always find it interesting how we are scared of certain words or phrases like "catholic" (little c) or "holy ghost".

    I apologize for my poor attempt at humor.
     
  12. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    If the pope would put a propeller on top of his beenie cap, he would be much closer to being infalliable.
     
  13. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    Not true. The pope's canonization of saints is considered "ex-cathedra". or "from the chair". It's literal meaning is the pope's words are on equal with Christ's.

    The pope does not have to say he's speaking "ex-cathedra". It doesn't have to be announced.

    You can read the aboutr the pope's infallibility here...
    http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07790a.htm
     
  14. Johnv

    Johnv New Member

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    Whether we agree or disagree with Roman Catholicism, I don't think we should be disrespectful. That last comment, imo, was disrespectful.
    So when Pope Benedict said the Pope is generally usually not infallible, was he being infallible when he said it? :eek:
     
    #14 Johnv, Oct 21, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 21, 2009
  15. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    Mr. Spurgeon was closer when he wrote:

    An ape was never such an ape
    As when he wore a papal cape!

    I am absolutely astonished that this topic has gone so many pages on a Baptist Board! For shame!

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  16. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    You will get over it.

    Did you ever play ring around the rosary when you were a kid?
     
  17. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    I put the link up. Look it up yourself. learn what "ex-cathedra means.
     
  18. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    :applause: :thumbs:
     
  19. saturneptune

    saturneptune New Member

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    Exactly, why is there a thread on the pope? Makes about as much sense as the gay pastor thread. Is it a full moon today?


    [​IMG]
     
    #19 saturneptune, Oct 21, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 21, 2009
  20. thegospelgeek

    thegospelgeek New Member

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    Maybe Saturn is aligned with Neptune :laugh:

    How did you get that name?
     
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